Utility Vehicle Precautions; Utility Vehicle Feature - Lexus RX 450H Owner's Manual

Utility vehicle precautions

This vehicle belongs to the utility vehicle class, which has higher ground clear-
ance and narrower tread in relation to the height of its center of gravity.

Utility vehicle feature

Specific design characteristics give it a higher center of gravity than ordinary
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passenger cars. This vehicle design feature causes this type of vehicle to be
more likely to rollover. And, utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover
rate than other types of vehicles.
An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better view of the road
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allowing you to anticipate problems.
It is not designed for cornering at the same speeds as ordinary passenger cars
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any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily
under off-road conditions. Therefore, sharp turns at excessive speeds may
cause the vehicle to rollover.
WARNING
Utility vehicle precautions
■
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death, serious injury
or damage to your vehicle:
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person
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wearing a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and all passengers should always fasten
their seat belts.
Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers, if at all possible.
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Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or vehicle rollover
causing death or serious injury.
Loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier will make the center of the vehicle gravity
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higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden braking or abrupt
maneuvers, otherwise it may result in loss of control or vehicle rollover due to failure
to operate this vehicle correctly.
Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. Because of its profile and higher center of
●
gravity, your vehicle is more sensitive to side winds than an ordinary passenger car.
Slowing down will allow you to have better control.
Do not drive horizontally across steep slopes. Driving straight up or straight down is
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preferred. Your vehicle (or any similar off-road vehicle) can tip over sideways much
more easily than forward or backward.
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